The European Parliament on June 17 adopted a series of reports on Western Balkan countries, reaffirming support for their European Union membership aspirations while urging sustained reforms in the rule of law, anti-corruption efforts and democratic governance as conditions for progress.

Lawmakers said enlargement momentum remains intact but warned that political instability, institutional weaknesses and reform fatigue could slow or derail accession timelines across the region.

The votes covered Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia, all of which are seeking closer integration with the bloc.

Montenegro remains the frontrunner

The European Parliament adopted its report on Montenegro with 486 votes in favour, 101 against and 75 abstentions, welcoming what it described as steady progress on EU-related reforms and reaffirming support for its accession path.

MEPs noted Montenegro’s ambition to complete accession negotiations by the end of 2026 and become the EU’s 28th member state by 2028, while stressing that sustained reforms and political stability will be decisive for maintaining momentum.

Rapporteur Marijan Šarec said the country faces a critical phase in its accession process. “Montenegro is facing an exceptionally demanding year – time is short and there is much work to be done,” Šarec said. “This report should serve both as recognition of the progress made so far and as encouragement for the period ahead.”

He added that internal disputes must not derail strategic objectives, as Montenegro remains one of the frontrunners in the Western Balkans enlargement process.

Reforms to be decisive for Albania

Lawmakers adopted a report on Albania with 483 votes in favour, 103 against and 70 abstentions, saying the country had made “swift progress in recent years” and is now considered an accession frontrunner.

MEPs warned, however, that sustained reforms — particularly in the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts — will determine whether Tirana meets its goal of concluding accession talks by 2027.

Rapporteur Andreas Schieder said the country’s ambitions are increasingly realistic but depend on the quality of reforms.

“Albania is an EU accession front-runner, and this is reflected in the report,” Schieder said. “Albania’s goal to close accession negotiations by the end of 2027 is not just a wish that might come true, but a realistic prospect.”

He added that social policy, including labour rights and trade union protections, must also be part of the accession assessment.

“It is crucial to not focus only on parameters like the rule of law and the economy,” he said. “We need to ensure that a well-functioning social system has been established, featuring trade unions and solid labour laws that put workers’ rights first.”

Bosnia warned over political deadlock

In a separate vote, MEPs adopted a report on Bosnia with 478 votes in favour, 116 against and 54 abstentions, reaffirming support for its EU path but warning that entrenched political divisions are slowing reforms.

Lawmakers urged leaders to strengthen governance, uphold the rule of law and step up efforts against corruption and organised crime, while also condemning obstructionism and divisive rhetoric.

“If Europe is to grow stronger, it must also grow larger — both geographically and politically,” said rapporteur Ondřej Kolář.

“At the same time, EU membership cannot be taken for granted,” he said. “We would welcome Bosnia and Herzegovina in the EU, but its efforts are often diluted by excuses or limited capacity to reach agreement even within its own borders.”

He also suggested the EU may need to consider new approaches to enlargement for countries stuck in domestic deadlock.

North Macedonia’s reform momentum insufficient

MEPs adopted a report on North Macedonia with 411 votes in favour, 120 against and 120 abstentions, backing its EU aspirations while calling for faster reforms in judicial independence, rule of law and anti-corruption efforts.

They stressed that progress in accession talks depends on “lasting and in-depth reforms” and expressed regret over limited progress since the previous report.

Rapporteur Thomas Waitz said enlargement remains a key priority for the EU.

“I am glad that the European Parliament has adopted the North Macedonia country report at this crucial time for EU enlargement,” Waitz said. “The country has recently taken important reform steps and it is essential that the government continues these efforts and remains firmly on the path towards EU integration. North Macedonia’s future lies within the European Union.”

Kosovo pushed to reform faster 

Lawmakers also adopted a report on Kosovo with 412 votes in favour, 174 against and 58 abstentions, welcoming its European integration commitment but warning over prolonged political instability.

MEPs said Kosovo has been unable to form a functioning legislature and government for more than a year and called for faster reforms in rule of law and anti-corruption efforts.

They also stressed that normalisation of relations with Serbia remains a central condition for EU progress, alongside implementation of existing agreements.

Rapporteur Riho Terras said the assessment was balanced. “It is important that Kosovo remains on the European path and moves forward with integration,” Terras said. “Parliament’s report provides an objective and fair assessment of the country’s situation. We are highlighting issues that need continuous attention, but we also want to emphasise positive developments, such as the opening of the Reform and Growth Facility Funds and the lifting of measures by the Commission.”